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Request Appointment. Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful. Products and services. Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful Diet and exercise are proven ways to reduce cholesterol. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry.

Show references Cholesterol management at a glance. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed Dec.

Tangney CT, et al. Lipid management with diet or dietary supplements. Natural Medicines. Fish oil. Green tea. Rosenson RS. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering with drugs other than statins and PCSK9 inhibitors.

Plant sterols. Red yeast rice. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Nutritional Supplements at Mayo Clinic Store Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition.

See also Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol? Birth control pill FAQ Cholesterol level: Can it be too low? Cholesterol medications: Consider the options Cholesterol ratio or non-HDL cholesterol: Which is most important?

Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate? Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism? Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Prickly pear cactus Eggs and cholesterol Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health?

Hashimoto's disease HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol Herbal supplements and heart drugs High cholesterol High cholesterol in children High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?

Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism and joint pain? Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?

Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid Lowering Triglycerides Menus for heart-healthy eating Metabolic syndrome Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms? Niacin to improve cholesterol numbers Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health Is there a risk of rhabdomyolysis from statins?

Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol? Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? Statin side effects Statins Statins: Do they cause ALS? Lifestyle changes to improve cholesterol Trans fat Triglycerides: Why do they matter? VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful?

Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

This highly viscous gel also decreases the reabsorption of bile acids into the body. Normally, bile acids are made from cholesterol and reabsorbed in the intestines.

Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber supplement, and research indicates that around 10 grams of psyllium helps lower LDL cholesterol over a median period of eight weeks. The National Lipid Association recommends 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily, which may help reduce total and LDL cholesterol by 5 to 11 points.

Psyllium coupons. Niacin, or vitamin B3 , may be used to manage high cholesterol. Niacin may cause side effects including flushing, itching, nausea, and diarrhea.

Niacin may also interact with certain drugs, including statins, blood pressure medications, and zinc. Niacin coupons.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats in fish, fish oils, nuts, flax seeds, and vegetables.

Indeed, some studies support the use of omega-3 fatty acids in lowering triglycerides in high-risk patients. However, omega-3 fatty acids containing a combination of AHA and EPA have been found to lower triglycerides and increase LDL cholesterol. As such, omega-3 fatty acids containing purely EPA may be better for managing high triglycerides without increasing LDL.

According to the American Heart Association, 2 to 4 g daily of omega-3 fatty acids is for patients who need to lower triglyceride levels.

Omega-3 coupons. Plant sterols and stanols , also known as phytosterols, are cholesterol-like substances found naturally in margarine, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. They are also present in food supplements and may lower cholesterol by blocking its absorption into the body.

A dosage of 1. Experts recommend taking these supplements with a main meal such as a heavy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Usually, the cholesterol-lowering effects are facilitated when the supplements are ingested along with your meal. In addition to its function as an immune booster, vitamin C may also reduce total cholesterol.

Most trials in the analysis included doses of to mg of vitamin C per day. It may be worth supplementing with vitamin C since there are no reported side effects or toxicity following its use.

Vitamin C coupons. Flaxseed is a non-marine source of alpha-linolenic acid ALA. ALA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid with heart-healthy benefits.

A few studies have shown the positive effects of flaxseed on lowering LDL and total cholesterol. Opt for flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed to get the most benefits.

Generally, flaxseed is well tolerated in therapeutic doses. However, there are possible interactions with blood pressure, estrogen, and anticoagulant medications.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking flaxseed supplements. Flaxseed oil coupons. Artichoke leaf is a vegetable that originated from the Mediterranean area. The extract is commonly used as a supplement that is available in capsules. Some studies suggest artichoke leaf supplements can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia.

One large study pooled findings from nine trials that included people, and the result from the research showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

However, side effects such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and allergic reactions may occur. From the list above, the following supplements for lowering cholesterol have the most available research:. Before using a supplement, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or medications you are taking.

The following supplements are not good for cholesterol levels. Steroids are known as performance-enhancing supplements used to increase muscle mass and strength. Steroids may be bad for cardiovascular health.

The good news is that your cholesterol levels can improve if you stop using steroids. Retinoids are found in topical and oral supplements.

They are vitamin A derivatives for treating acne, pigmentation irregularities, and skin wrinkles. Additionally, you should try the following tips when choosing a supplement.

You'll likely be prescribed medicine and told about lifestyle changes that can help, but you may want to take supplements, as well. It also discusses other ways to reduce high cholesterol and your heart disease risk. Researchers are still working to confirm the usefulness of supplements in treating high cholesterol.

For this reason, it remains unclear who can benefit most from them. In general, they're considered safer for younger people with no history or risk factors for heart disease. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Niacin, a form of vitamin B3 also called nicotinic acid, is used to lower cholesterol. It appears that niacin lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides another form of fat , while raising good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein HDL. Niacin also appears to significantly lower levels of lipoprotein A, another risk factor of atherosclerosis.

Niacin is available in prescription form and as an over-the-counter OTC dietary supplement. The American Heart Association says you should only use the prescription form of niacin for lowering cholesterol. Side Effects. Niacin can increase the effect of high blood pressure medication.

It also may cause:. It can also:. The most common side effects of high-dose niacin are:. These are caused by the widening of blood vessels.

Most people only notice this when they initially start taking niacin. The flushing symptoms may ease if you take niacin with meals. Some research suggests high doses of niacin might help lower cholesterol when combined with drugs called statins.

However, other studies have shown no clinical benefit and the possibility of some harm. Because the science is inconclusive and it can cause side effects, you should only take niacin for high cholesterol under the close supervision of a healthcare provider.

Soluble fiber appears to lower bad cholesterol by making your intestines absorb less cholesterol from food. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol so that it is excreted from the body. You can find soluble fiber in OTC dietary supplements such as:.

It's also in foods including:. Plant stanols and sterols, such as beta-sitosterol , are naturally occurring substances found in certain plants. Stanols are also found as dietary supplements. Some are added to:.

Research suggests plant stanols and sterols may help lower cholesterol. Their chemical structure is similar to cholesterol, so it may block cholesterol absorption. In studies, people taking stanols or sterols with statin drugs had better results than people on statins alone.

The FDA allows companies marketing phytosterols and sterols to make a claim on their labels that the product may work with a low-cholesterol and saturated-fat diet to reduce the risk of heart disease. Suggested dosages are:. Some research suggests artichoke leaf extract Cynara scolymus may help lower cholesterol.

Artichoke leaf extract may work by limiting how much cholesterol your body produces. Artichokes also contain a compound called cynarin. It is believed to increase bile production in the liver and speed the flow of bile from the gallbladder.

Both of these actions may help clear cholesterol from your body. Other supplements that have been suggested for cholesterol have less evidence of being useful, so more and better-quality evidence is needed.

They include:. High cholesterol is usually treated based on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels, plus the presence of additional risk factors for heart disease. While some risk factors cannot be changed, others can. Heart attack risk factors may include:.

Modifiable risk factors include not using tobacco, being active, eating a healthy diet, and losing excess weight. Before you decide to use alternative medicine for high cholesterol:. Get medical advice before giving them to children or taking them while pregnant or nursing.

Discuss with your provider whether it's safe for you based on your diagnoses and medications. Accessed Dec. Tangney CT, et al.

Lipid management with diet or dietary supplements. Natural Medicines. Fish oil. Green tea. Rosenson RS. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering with drugs other than statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. Plant sterols. Red yeast rice. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Nutritional Supplements at Mayo Clinic Store Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition.

See also Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol? Birth control pill FAQ Cholesterol level: Can it be too low? Cholesterol medications: Consider the options Cholesterol ratio or non-HDL cholesterol: Which is most important? Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate? Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Prickly pear cactus Eggs and cholesterol Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health? Hashimoto's disease HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol Herbal supplements and heart drugs High cholesterol High cholesterol in children High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?

Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism and joint pain? Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?

Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid Lowering Triglycerides Menus for heart-healthy eating Metabolic syndrome Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?

Niacin to improve cholesterol numbers Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health Is there a risk of rhabdomyolysis from statins? Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol? Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? Statin side effects Statins Statins: Do they cause ALS?

Lifestyle changes to improve cholesterol Trans fat Triglycerides: Why do they matter? VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful? Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

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